Not found yet, but Fernandes helps keep spirits up

A series of tweets by Group CEO of AirAsia says a lot about his unique and warm brand of leadership under the most trying of times.

PETALING JAYA: As the first day of rescue operations in waters near Belitung Island winds down with no encouraging sign yet of the Indonesia AirAsia plane that went missing Sunday morning, it is understandable if exhausted rescue personnel, family members of passengers and concerned members of the public were starting to feel despondent.

However Group CEO of AirAsia Tony Fernandes has been sending a series of encouraging tweets all day long to his staff and those following him on Twitter.

Now in Surabaya to assist in rescue efforts, one of Fernandes’ tweets said, “Keeping positive and staying strong. My heart bleeds for all the relatives of my crew and our passengers. Nothing is more important to us.

“Our priority is looking after all the next of kin for my staff and passengers. We will do whatever we can.”

He also tweeted his overwhelming gratitude at the reception given to him by the Indonesians once he touched down, saying, “The warmth and support from the people of Indonesia has been incredible. Everywhere I go. Nothing but pure support.”

He had kind words for his staff there as well, saying, “The staff in Indonesia have been brave, strong, committed and doing 150 percent for all our guests. My pride for them is enormous.”

Saying he was amazed at his staff, who he fondly referred to as his “Allstars”, Fernandes added, “Its at times like this you see the true quality of humans.”

Before touching down in Surabaya, Fernandes pledged to stick it out with the Indonesians, no matter how bitter the ordeal of finding the aircraft would get.

He tweeted, “I as your group ceo will be there through these hard times. We will go through this terrible ordeal together.

To all my staff AirAsia all stars be strong, continue to be the best. Pray hard. Continue to do your best for all our guests. See u all soon.”

Saying the Indonesia AirAsia flight QZ8501 going missing was his “worse nightmare”, Fernandes added, “But there is no stopping.”